Cape Cod Quick Hit Day Trip
Welcome to Cape Cod: Three Fun Attractions in the Upper Cape
Cape Cod, Massachusetts (MA) is one of the most popular destinations in the United States for beaches and outdoor recreation, and there are many “top “ lists of things to do. At MassDayTripping.com, we want to help you plan and make the most of a quick day trip whether you are vacationing or want to visit for the day. Like our post on Western MA, we highlight three attractions you can visit driving through Falmouth and Woods Hole, Bourne and Sandwich, MA in a one day, making the most of your time exploring Cape Cod scenery and history.
How to get to The Upper Cape (Falmouth, Woods Hole, Bourne and Sandwich, MA)
Put the following directions into your Google map and plot your Upper Cape Cod day trip:
Nobska Lighthouse to Wing’s Neck Lighthouse
Wing’s Neck Lighthouse to Sandwich Boardwalk
What to see on Upper Cape Cod
Your day trip kicks off at Nobska Light (also called Nobska Point Light) situated on Cape Cod’s southwestern coastline on Falmouth Road headed towards Woods Hole, MA. Originally established in 1829, the current 40-foot tower was built in 1876. Nobska Light is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a great landmark to get beautiful, panoramic views of Buzzards Bay and Vineyard.
The grounds are open to the public (lighthouse tours are closed), there are a few parking spots right by the entrance and by crossing the road, there is a small overlook to take in the expansive views of Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound. Get info here.
Tip: Visit at sunrise or sunset for (on a sunny day) incredible panoramas and to avoid the traffic. It will also be easier to park.
Tip: Be careful crossing the two-lane street as it curves sharply in both directions by the lighthouse.
Our next attraction is Wings Neck Lighthouse, which is now a privately-owned property available for weekly vacation rentals, in Pocasset (a village of Bourne) MA. While the grounds are not open to the public, you can drive to the end of Wings Neck Road and see this former US Coast Guard Lighthouse tower and keeper’s house from the gate. Here is info about vacation rentals.
Originally built in 1849, the current wooden tower was rebuilt in 1889 and sits on a peninsula accessing the Cape Cod Canal. There is also a lantern on the roof, which was integral to it’s function of warning passing ships at night.
Tip: Of course, sticking to the rules posted at the entrance gate, check that it’s ok to quickly visit the grounds and see this historic lighthouse up close.
Our final destination is a Massachusetts and New England icon: the Sandwich, MA Boardwalk. Stretching 1350 feet, the Sandwich Boardwalk was originally built in 1875 and was rebuilt in 1992 after being destroyed by Hurricane Bob. During the off-season, parking in the lot at the end of Boardwalk Road is free.
Recognized by National Geographic, the Sandwich Boardwalk takes you on wooden planks over marsh and sand dunes to the beach at Cape Cod Bay. When you arrive at the beach, there is a fairly steep staircase down (strollers will need to be carried). You can also explore the sandy dunes the boardwalk passes over as you get closer to the shoreline (as shown in this pic below).
Tip: This is a well-known attraction for sunrise and sunset views so bring your camera. It will get crowded at sunset during the summer season.
Tip: There are no railings so make sure young kids are close by and focused on walking straight down the boardwalk.
Tip: During COVID, follow state regulations and mask up, especially as the boardwalk is narrow.
What are your favorite Upper Cape Cod destinations or hidden gems to visit? Leave a comment or suggestion.
